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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Entertainment

Challenge Yourself: Ballet Vocabulary Quiz

Improve Your Dance Terminology Knowledge Today

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting ballet elements for a Ballet Vocabulary Quiz.

Ready to fine-tune your ballet terminology? Joanna Weib invites dance students and educators to explore this Ballet Vocabulary Quiz, designed to challenge and enrich your dance vocabulary skills. Whether you're reviewing key terms or prepping for class, this dance vocabulary quiz offers clear insights and fun learning. Feel free to customize it in our editor and integrate with other Vocabulary Quiz formats or beyond. For more tailored challenges, check out the Ballet Technique and Wellness Knowledge Test or browse all quizzes.

Easy
What does the ballet term plié mean?
Bending of the knees
Pointing of the toes
Turning on one foot
A large jump
Plié is a ballet movement where the dancer bends the knees while keeping the back straight. It is fundamental for warming up and preparing for jumps and turns.
Which position describes the extension of one leg directly behind the body with a straight knee?
Arabesque
Passé
Attitude
Pirouette
An arabesque is a ballet position in which the dancer extends one leg straight behind the body. It creates a long, elegant line and is a fundamental classical pose.
What is the meaning of the term jeté in ballet vocabulary?
A jump from one foot to the other
Bending of the knees
A slide of the foot along the floor
A quick turn on one leg
In ballet, a jeté is a leap where the dancer throws one leg out and lands on the other. It demonstrates elevation and dynamic movement across the floor.
What does the ballet term tendu refer to?
Stretching the leg and foot along the floor
A series of small jumps
A slow, sustained movement
A half turn on one foot
Tendu means to stretch the foot along the floor to a pointed position while keeping the supporting leg straight. It develops strength and extension through the leg and foot.
Which term describes rising onto the balls of the feet or toes?
Relevé
Plié
Sauté
Fondu
Relevé refers to rising onto the balls of the feet or toes, creating elevation in the dancer's stance. It is essential for balance and preparing for jumps and turns.
Medium
What distinguishes a grand jeté from a regular jeté?
A grand jeté is a large, high leap executed with a full split in mid-air
A grand jeté is a small, stationary hop on both feet
A grand jeté is a quick turn completed in one spot
A grand jeté is a slow, sustained movement across the floor
The grand jeté involves a large leap with the legs fully split in the air, highlighting elevation and extension. It requires significant strength and flexibility for height and line.
In which position are the arms held low and rounded near the hips?
Bras bas
En haut
Seconde
En avant
Bras bas, also known as preparatory position, has the arms low and rounded near the hips. It is often used at the beginning and end of port de bras exercises.
Which term means a basic step of shifting weight from one foot to the other?
Pas
Pirouette
Glissade
Elancé
Pas simply means "step" in French and refers to any movement where weight shifts from one foot to the other. It is the root of many compound step names in ballet.
What does the term entrechat describe in ballet?
A jump where the dancer beats their legs together in the air
A slow working of the legs before a jump
A gliding step to the side
An extension of the leg to the side
An entrechat is a classical jump featuring rapid crossings or "beats" of the legs in mid-air. The name comes from the French for "interweaving," describing the leg action.
Which phrase indicates movement executed en croix?
En croix
En chaîné
En tournant
En face
En croix means "in the shape of a cross," instructing the dancer to perform the same movement front, side, back, then side. It ensures balanced development of strength and flexibility.
What style of movement is characterized by slow, sustained gestures in ballet?
Adagio
Allegro
Rapide
Petit allegro
Adagio refers to slow, controlled movements that develop strength, balance, and fluidity. It contrasts with allegro, which comprises quicker, more dynamic steps.
The term manège in choreography refers to which pattern?
A circular pathway around the stage
A straight diagonal line
A zigzag pattern
A random scattered formation
Manège indicates that dancers move in a circular pattern around the stage or space. It helps maintain flow and spatial orientation in group formations.
What does cambré refer to in ballet?
Bending the torso backward or to the side in an arch
A quick turning movement on one foot
A small jump in fifth position
The process of changing direction
Cambré means "arched" and involves bending the body at the waist either forward, backward, or sideways. It emphasizes flexibility and expressive line through the torso.
What is a fouetté turn?
A whipping turn where the working leg propels the rotation
A jump combining two legs in mid-air
A slow movement of the arms
A sliding step across the floor
Fouetté, meaning "whipped," describes a turn where the dancer's working leg whips out to the side, generating momentum for the spin. It requires precise timing and strong turnout.
In a ballet class, what is the barre used for?
A handrail used by dancers for support during barre exercises
A type of barre movement across the floor
A partner lifting technique
A type of turn on stage
The barre is a fixed handrail at waist height used for balance during warm-up exercises. It prepares dancers' muscles and alignment before they move to the center.
Hard
What quality does the term balloné describe in a jump?
Light, buoyant quality with a noticeable suspension at the peak of the jump
A very fast, staccato jumping style
An elongated slide without leaving the floor
A series of small, rapid foot beats in the air
Balloné highlights the illusion of floating or hovering in the air during a jump. It showcases control, lightness, and a soft landing.
How does an attitude differ from an arabesque?
An attitude features a bent knee on the raised leg, whereas an arabesque has the working leg straight
An attitude is performed sideways only while arabesque is only forward
An attitude requires a jump, arabesque is a floor exercise
An attitude uses a turn, arabesque is stationary
In an attitude, the raised leg is bent at the knee, creating a curved line, while an arabesque extends the working leg straight behind. Both are classical poses but differ in line and shape.
What is the definition of soutenu?
A sustained turn in place with the feet drawn together and crossed
A quick hop from one foot to the other
A sliding step along the floor
A sharp kicking action of the leg
Soutenu, meaning "sustained," involves crossing the legs at the ankles or knees and turning smoothly on demi-pointe. It emphasizes continuity and control in rotation.
Why is port de bras critical in classical ballet technique?
It provides correct arm carriage essential for balance, line, and expressiveness
It refers to foot articulation improving jumps
It is a term for the head position during turns
It denotes the timing of rhythmic footwork
Port de bras, meaning "carriage of the arms," is vital for creating harmonious lines and supporting the dancer's center of gravity. It also conveys emotion and style in performance.
In a pas de deux, what does the term promenade refer to?
A slow, sustained turning movement of the couple while walking
A high jump executed by the female dancer
A quick series of beats in the air by the male dancer
A solo display of footwork by both partners
In pas de deux, promenade indicates that the dancers hold each other and take slow turns together while moving across the stage. It showcases partnership, poise, and musicality.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify common ballet terms and their definitions
  2. Demonstrate understanding of classical dance vocabulary
  3. Differentiate between key ballet movements accurately
  4. Apply correct terminology in dance contexts
  5. Evaluate term usage in choreography descriptions
  6. Master essential ballet language for performance

Cheat Sheet

  1. Five Fundamental Positions - Ballet begins with mastering the five positions of the feet: first through fifth. These positions are the foundation for all steps, helping you find stability and alignment while building strength. Practice each slowly to train muscle memory and improve your turnout! ABT Ballet Dictionary
  2. Plié - A plié is a knee bend that creates springiness and power for jumps and turns. This movement builds leg strength and flexibility, and it's essential for injury prevention. Keep your back straight and heels grounded as you sink and rise like a graceful accordion! Ballet Vocabulary - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
  3. Port de Bras - Port de bras means "carriage of the arms" and gives your dance lines warmth and expression. Learning to move your arms fluidly will connect your upper and lower body for a cohesive performance. Imagine your fingertips telling a story as they trace elegant arcs through space! Ballet Vocabulary - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
  4. Relevé - Rising onto the balls of your feet or toes, relevé improves balance and builds calf strength. This action helps you achieve lightness and control in every movement, making jumps and extensions look effortless. Engage your core and ankles to stay steady as you lift! Ballet Vocabulary - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
  5. Pas de Deux - Pas de deux is a dance for two, highlighting partnership, coordination, and trust. You'll learn to balance, lift, and synchronize movements with a partner, creating beautiful duets on stage. It's a chance to show off teamwork and share the magic of performance! Pas de Deux
  6. Grand Battement - In a grand battement, the working leg is lifted from the hip and swung down with control. This high kick movement develops flexibility, strength, and precision in your legs. Aim for a smooth, sweeping line and resist the urge to rush the motion! ABT Ballet Dictionary
  7. Pirouette - A pirouette is a complete spin on one foot, requiring spot-on balance and spotting technique. You'll practice finding your center, engaging your core, and spotting a fixed point to avoid dizziness. With each turn, feel yourself getting lighter and more in control! ABT Ballet Dictionary
  8. Arabesque - Arabesque places you on one leg with the other extended behind, forming a long line from fingertips to toes. This position challenges your back, hips, and leg strength, and highlights your sense of line and poise. Hold your shoulders down and your chest open for a majestic silhouette! ABT Ballet Dictionary
  9. Jeté - A jeté is a leap where one leg brushes into the air before landing on the other. This jump trains explosive power, smooth transitions, and graceful landings. Think of pushing off the floor like a spring and extending through your toes! ABT Ballet Dictionary
  10. Tutu - The tutu is the iconic ballet skirt made of layered tulle or netting, ranging from romantic mid-calf lengths to stiff classical styles. It not only adds visual flair but also helps emphasize precise leg and footwork. Partner your tutu with confidence and let it float as you spin! Ballet Vocabulary - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
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